NORTH OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20253, 11 November 1927, Page 7

NORTH OTAGO.

THE WAITAKI DAM. It was stated some weeks ago iu these columns that tests were being made to discover the most suitable site on the Waitaki River for the proposed dam iu connection with the auxiliary power station. A gang of men has been employed tor some months in bdring for foundations in various directions. There are three sites under review, but that most favoured by the departmental officers is said to be at Wharekuri, which is the furthest distant from Kurow. The geological formation in this locality is now being thoroughly investigated by officers ot the Public Works Department. Although a sum of only £19,000 has been placed upon the Estitames this year for the undertaking, it is understood that a construction staff will begin operations early next year and that the next vote may be anticipated to some extent. To fit in with the prospective development of electric power, the station must be completed wuhm tom years. , GENERAL. The carnival held recently at Windsor resulted in a net profit of £143 7s Bd. This is to be divided between the public hall, the school, and the various sports k°The"report of, the judging of stock atthe Royal Show, appearing m yesterday s issue of the Otago Daily Times which showed that North Otago breeders figured prominently in the prize list, was read with interest and satisfaction by farmers of this district Mr H J Andrew (of Maheno) and Mr J. M. Smith (of Kaka nui) have done exceptionally well. LAWN TENNIS. The following players wnirepresentthe Meadowbank Club against the Hill Club ° n Sml U .S a at : Hin.--M‘Eivan ) Hedges Mullicrm V R. Hedges, H. Rotting, H. sfate’r, Misses V. Slater, R. Robertson, E. M'Quade, N. Beardsmorc, Ida Macpher--80 Junior? Mcadowbank.—D. M‘Lag, N. M'Quade, L. Hedges, C. Duncan. M. Hmtz, A Forrest. Misses N. Macpherson P. Robins, L. Mawhinney. M. Hedges, Rutherford. and Hartley. Emergencies-Misscs Steele and Robertson, and A. Tait and L ’The ar following are the Oajuaru Dawn Tennis Club’s teams to play Waimate on Saturday: - Seniors.—At Waimate— Sumpter. M'Gregor, Familton, Dorward, Swindley, Mathie_son; Nichols King, Pragnall, Searle, and Davies. Juniors: Ewart, Bates, Spooner, Keay, Wise, K. Bryan; Mrs Fraser, Misses Russell, M. Hewat, Darling, Humphries, and Harvey. , So far four ranking list games have been completed in connection with the North Otago Lawn Tennis Association fadder, and several further challenges arc in The following are the ' results to date:—Reid (Awanipa) beat _ M Ewan (Meadowbank), 7—9, 6—-2, 7— o; MGregor (Oamaru) beat J. Hamilton (Oamaru). 6—l, 6-0; Deal (Hill) beat P. Mullingan (Meadowbank). 6—3, iu—», K. Familton (Awamoa) beat J. Hamilton, 6 —B, 6—l. 6—9. The results of ladder matches played at Awamoa afford interesting reading;—C. Mollison beat Is.. Familton. 9—3; Reid beat Nichols. 9-8; Campbell beat Main, 9—5: A. Wilson beat Is. Familton, 9—.:. : " G^ICKET^ The following will represent the Albion Club in its matches on Saturday;— . Juniors, at Takaro Park, against Oamaru, at 2 p.m.—Stichman, May (2) Davey, Jefferv. C. Granger, F amilton. Jones, Hammill, Cawley, and Skirving. Thirds, at School, against School, aU Brooker, Sampson, Butts, Jacobs, Scoon, Andrews, Palmer, Bracken, Crawshaw, Brown, and Kearns. „ The Union Juniors to play School B, at King George’s Park at 1.45 p.m., & re as : follow: —North, Ewing. Blair, Robbie, Sinclair, Tonkin. King J. Hunter, Maude, Paris, Miller. Third Grade, to play St. Kevin’s A, at Redcastle at 2 P-" 1-: Smith, Hill, Omnet, M'Kenzie. M Intosh, Christie, Clarke, Carroll, Donald, Mackic, Sparks, Webb. BOWLING. The draw for the Awamoa Bowling Club’s club’ competitions for the ensuing year is as follows: — CHAMPION SINGLES. First Round. —J. Robertson v. Dunbar, A. Robertson v. Vernor, Jenkins v. Buist. D. Thomson v. Walton. Macfie v. , . Thompson, Cook v. Hruhrc, Miller v. Mullin Pygall v. Ralph, M'Jennett v. Sorley, M'Diarmid v. M'Narry, Brown v. Adamson, Mollison v. Gerrie. . Second Round—D. Thomson v. Jemkins, J. Robertson v. J. Thompson, Cook v. Miller. M'Diarmid v. Walton, Dunbar v. A. Robertson, M'Narry v, Gerrie, Macfie v. Ralph. Vernor v. Hodge. M'Jennett v. Pygall, Buist v. Mullin, Adamson v. Sorley, Brown v. Mollison. CHAMPION PAIRS. First Round. —Brown and Ralph y. Pygall and Sorley. M'Jennett and J. Robertson v. Mullin' and Walton, J. Thompson and M'Narry v. Adamson and Mollison, Grand and Buist v. Tisdall and Dunbar, Burry and A. Robertson v. Jenkins and Conk, Vernor and Miller v. D. Thomson and Hodge, Gerrie and M'Donald a bye. Second Round. —Walton v. Miller, Sorley v. A. Robertson, Mollison v. Cook, Ralph v, Buist, M'Narvv v. M'Donnld, J. Robertson v. Dunbar, Hodge a bye. CLUB PAIRS. Forst Round. —Lee and Hodge v. Restieaux and Mollison, M'Diarmid and Dunbar v. Kinder and Sorley, Hay and Cook v. Vernor and Adamson, Macfie and Jenkins v. Burry and M'Narry, Brown and A. Robertson v. J. Thompson and Gerrie, Ralph and Mitchell v, Ferguson and Walton, Bridgman and M'Jonnetfv. Moss and Buist. Tisdall and J. Robertson v. Pygall and Shenherd, Mullin and Miller v. Grant and D. Thomson. Second Round.—A. Robertson v. M'Jennett, Gerrie v. Hodge. Shepherd v. Cook, M'Narry v. Mitchell. Dunbar v. Adamson, Thomson v. Walton, Buist v. J. Robertson, Miller v. Jenkins, Mollison v. Sorley. CLUB RINKS. First Round. —M'Jennett, Moss. Mitchell, Mollison (s) v. Grant, Tisdall, M'Narry, Sorley (s); Pygall, Brown, Jenkins, Dunbar (s) v. M'Diarmid, Lee, Ralph, Cook (s) ; Shepherd, Bridgman, D. Thomson. Adamson (a) v. Mullin, J. Thompson, Miller. Buist (s); Burry, Kestieux, Gerrie, J. Robertson (s) v. Vernor. Ferguson, Kinder, Walton (s). Second Round.—Sorley v. Dunbar, Buist v, J. Robertson, Cook v. Adamson, Walton v. Mollison. COLTS’ HANDICAP. First Round. —Gerrie v. M'Jennett (5). Restieaux flO) v. Ferguson (10), Tisdall (7) v. Mullin (5), Hay (10) a bye. Second Round. —Hay v. M'Jennett. Gerrie v. Mullin, Ferguson v. Tisdall, Restieaux a bye. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. Considerable interest is being taken in the Moeraki Riding of the Waitnki County in the election of a successor to Mr William Nicolson. There are about 160 names on the roll for the riding, but many of the ratepayers have two and three votes. Nominations close on Tuesday next, and the contest is likely to bo a very keen one between Messrs j Ross and R Walker, both of whom are good farmers and active members of the North Executive of the Farmers’ Union. The clerk of tho County Council (Mr _ James M'Laron) yesterday visited tho riding to appoint suitable places as polling booths.

ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT. (JTbom Odu Special C'cßßEßPOwnnira.)

ARMISTICE DAY. No special arrangements have been made for tho celebration of Armistice Day in Oamaru to-day, although' tho request of tho Prime Minister for the observance of two minutes’ silence, and the cessation of all work, just prior to 11 o’clock, with tho standing and uncovering of the heads of pedestrians, will doubtless bo observed. Flags will also probably be flown at halfmast from the staffs of ’the Post Office and municipal buildings. FISHING AT MOERAKI. A party who went out fishing in an oil launch at Moeraki a few days ago soured no fewer than ISO blue cod besides a groper, in the course of a few hours. Fish are plentiful in tho neighbourhood of Moeraki just now. MUTTON BIRDS. Thousands of small black birds have been seen in the Oamaru roadstead and for miles along the coast during the last few days. Inquiries have revealed the fact that thev are mutton birds making’ their annual migration from the south. Whore they spend the summer months nobody appears to know. SHARKS ON THE COAST. , With the advent of warm weather bathers should be warned against proceeding too far into tho open sea along the coast, as sharks have already made their appearance in proximity to the shore. A party of fishermen who were out in a boat recently saw a shark fully 12ft in length in pursuit of smaller fish. PERSONAL. Mr Mnrsoll, postmaster at Herbert, who is on his annual leave, is being roheved by Mr Green, of Hampden. Captain O. L. Fcrens, of Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles Regiment, Wanganui who has been awarded the New Zealand long and efficient service medal is well known in Oamaru, having been for some years on the staff of the local branch of the National Bank of Now Zea.and. AYRSHIRE CATTLE. Although they have had formidable rivals in recent years in Friesians and Jerseys, Ayrshire cattle still occupy a prominent place among the flairy farmers of North Otago, and this will bo evidenced by the fine exhibition that will bo made at the show in Oamaru next week. It may be mentioned that the first Ayrshire bull to reach New Zealand was sent out by JVlr Alexander M'Caw to the Rev. Dr Burns, of Dunedin. Mr M'Caw afterwards came to New Zealand and settled in Oamaru, where ho died in 1838. MALAY RUBBER COMPANY. The balance sheet of the New Zealand and Malay Rubber Company shows another successful year. The profits after allowing £3OO for depreciation and setting aside £2376 as a reserve for income tax amount to £7884 5s 9d. This is equal to nearly 281 per cent, on the subscribed capital, and" may bo considered highly satisfactory. Compared with the previous vear the net profit is less by over £7OOO, but this drop is entirely due to the lower price for rubber. Last year the companv’s output was marketed at over 2s per ib, but this year the average price was under Is 6d per lb. general charges and renewals at Kclantan are £920 higher than last year, and it may be assumed that this is due to the company’s policy of keeping its buildings and plant in good order and the construction of additions to keep pace with the general development flf the estate. The allowance for depreciation is a new item, and one that will commend itself to the approval of shareholders. The rubber production for the year was 224,5691b —an increase of 20,9891 b over last year; and it is interesting to note that the percentage of first-quality rubber (No. 1 sheet) compares favourably _ with the previous year. Another pleasing feature is the reduction in the “ all in ” costs from 8 l-5d per lb to 7 4-5 d per lb. In pursuance of the directors’ pronouncement, new planting has been carried on during the year, and further planting will be done during the ensuing year. As. dividends amounting to 20 per cent, were paid during the year, and a reserve of £SOOO has now been built np, in addition to a carry forward of £947 7s 6d, shareholders are to be congratulated on the success attending the company’s operations. It is worthy of mention that the company lias its registered office in Oamaru, that the board of directors is, with one exception, composed of North Otago residents, and that the majority of the shares arc held locally. OAMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of tho Oamaru Borough Council was hold last evening, there being present the Mayor (Mr F. Crawshaw) and Crs W. Wright, E. A. Fox H. J. Jenkins, J. M'D.armid, H. G Leal, J. A. Macpherson, J. R. Calder, F. J. Cooney, W. Crombie, J. M. Forrester and H. K. Familton Tho Waitaki Power Board advised that it would be nocosary to keep separate accounts for the baths and gardens, since tho now arrangement had been made in regard to street lighting. It was decided that the suggestion of the Power Board bo agreed to. Tho Manager of the abbatoirs reported that 192 head of cattle, 967 sheep, two pigs and two calves had been slaughtered during the month. He also reported that certain repairs had been carried out in a satisfactory manner. A complaint was received from a number of residents in Lynn street in regard to tho nuisance created by the sewage tank.— Dealt with by tho Works Committee. Messrs Sargoot Son and Ewcn, Arscott and Smith, and the Athenaeum Committee wrote complaining of a pie cart being allowed to carry on business in Steward street.—The Mayor stated that this matter had been satisfactorily arranged. Mr Courtenay had agreed to take up his stand in Thames street, opposite the Power Board’s office. The report of the inspector (Mr Whyte) on the various activities in tho town was received. The engineer as instructed in response to a request by Messrs Arscott and Smith to asphalt the north side of the footpath in Steward street. The Manager of the picture theatre wrote asking when it was possible that a new generator would be provided in tho theatre.— Cr Calder said it had been found impossible to repair the old generator, and on his motion it was decided to purchase a now generator from Messrs Turnbull and Jones at a cost of £72 10s. The question of the cost of attempting to repair the old generator was referred to the Finance Committee. Permission was granted the sth Mounted Rifles Band to -give a concert in tho gardens on Sunday night—Cr Deal pointed out that it would be necessary to provide lighting and extra attendance on the occasion. An application from Mr John Taylor tor a remission of rates on his Thames street property was referred to the Finance Committee for a report. Tho Finance Committee reported a debit on tile deferred fund account of £7428 8a 9d and a credit on the loan account of £2087 10s sd, a credit on the P.O. deposits accounts of £2OOO, and a credit on the loan account in the hank of £IO,OOO. The committee recommended for payment accounts amounting to £1353 5s lOd (general) and £523 15s (loan). ft also recommended that the water rate charged on the National Bank prom-

isos bo reduced to 3 per cent, and that a fresh demand be issued, but that no claim for a refund on account of past years could be recognised.—Adopted, The Waterworks Committee recommended that the charge for water supply to the golf links be assessed at £lO per annum, viz,, £7 10s for the club house and £2 10s for three conveniences.— Agreed to. The By-laws Committee reported regarding Sargood, Son, and Ewen’s complaint with respect to the pie cart stand in Steward street that the matter had been referred to the Mayor and the chairman, with power to act. —Adopted. The Works Committee recommended that Inspector Fischer be granted leave of absence and allowed expenses to attend the conference of sanitary inspectors at Napier in January. The committee reported that - steps were being taken to abate the nuisance in Lynn street complained of by A. Robertson and others. It was recommended that the Beautifying Society be permitted to place seats in certain streets as suggested, that a guard be placed around the lamp post at the intersection of Dee and Thames streets, and that the engineer’s report be received. The Gas Committee recommended that A. Wright’s tender of £lO5 2s 6d for the erection of a governor and meter house be accepted. The Mayor stated that seven tenders had been received. The recommendation was adopted. The Reserves Committee recommended that consent be given to the following sub divisions:—Section 15, block XXXVIII, on account of A. Sallis, and allotment 25 D.P. 3160, on account of Mrs D. M. Williams. It was stated that the engineer had been instructed to prepare plans and specinca tions and submit an estimate for the erection of ladies and men’s conveniences at Orana Park. It was recommended that no charge be made for water supply 10 the motor camping ground for the present season; that the electric light bo installed at the curator’s residence; and that the tender of B. Stevens at £lB 5s be accepted for the work, and that a jarrah paling fence bo erected on the street line m Steward street from the Ambulance HaJ to the creek The report was adopted with the exception of the last-mentioned clause which was referred back to the commottee to obtain a report from the curator of the Gardens. , , r The Baths Committee recommended that the Amateur Swimming Club be granted the use of the baths on the same conditions as previously provided.—Agreed to. In reference to Orana Park, the Mayor stated that a deputation had waited on the Works Committee on Monday night ana offered a sum of £ls towards the cost of erecting conveniences in the park. Or Deal moved in accordance with notice given that the resolution passed at a previous meeting agreeing to the subdivision of land at the corner of _ Clare street and Thames highway be rescinded. He statea that when the resolution was tho council was not aware that it had power under the Town Planning Act to control the subdivision. He was of opmion tha the corner of the street should be rounded off Cr Calder, in seconding the resoiu* tion, stated that the council had now an opportunity of securing a benefit for all the surrounding properties. The was at present a death trap. tion was carried, and Cr Calder then moved —“ That the matter bo referred to the Works Committee to asecertam wjiat could be done.” Cr Maqpherson, m seconding the resolution, expressed the v.ejv that the opportunity now P itsol Somd 1 M.£ pointed out that under the Town Planning Act the council would require to pay comnensation for land taken. Cr Cooney said ho was opposed to the council spending money in widening the street. The street was not much usld and came to a dead ° n Thc Engineers’ report was read as fol*°Streets Maintenance. —In addition to the usual town and street maintenance work, road surface repairs an MSF face spraying were earned out on lhames stieet Seveim street, Itchen street, and Tyne street, and the quantities of material used were 4880 gallons of tai and 219 cubic yards of sand. This tar road surface work completes the summer season work, with the exception of Kibble street, wtich road, owing, to sewerage operations, requires extensive repairs before the tar surface spraying can be undertaken. Minor road repairs, mostly due to sewerage works, were carried out in Eden street, Francis street, Usk street, Torridge street, and the northern end of Wharfe street. The Thames Highway was again regraded and trimmed where necessary. The approximate cost of the regrading, twice filling with rock spall, and the formation work done for a distance of 63 chains, was £B9 18s od. The staff has placed two cast-iron crossings and four storm water drains across footP °Water.—During the month five inside and three outside applications were received for water services, and three inside and one outside water service were connected with the borough water mains. The water race inspector reports that the Waitaki River level rose slightly during the month, and the river water supply to the intake was good. The maintenance men are busy cutting grass, and, the repair gang is engaged on the repairs to the Henderson Creek flume spans. Buildings.—During the month bmlding permits were issued for five new residences to the value of £5535, one new building to the value of £360, four additions and alterations to existing buildings and residences to the value of £1954, two motor garages to the value of £lO5, giving a combined total value of £7954. On the motion of Cr Deal it was decided that during the currency of the Summer Time Act the council meet at 8 p.m. instead of 7.30 p.m. In answer to a question by Cr Familton, it was stated by Cr Cooney that it was proposed to advertise gas on the gasometer.—Cr Forrester asked if this were not contrary to the town amenities. —Cr Deal asked if the council had been consulted in the matter. —Cr Cooney said if the susceptibilities of the council were being offended it was its duty to say so. He claimed that the gasometer was not a hoarding.—Cr Crombie thought the council had a right to know what was being done. —Cr Cooney replied that a sum of money had been devoted to advertising, and this was part of the scheme of advertising. If any other councillor would take the matter on he was willing to stand down. —Cr M'Diarmid said the council did not wish to damp the enthusiasm of Cr Cooney, but he thought the councillor would have been well advised had he taken the council into his confidence. —Cr Familton thought the idea of advertising on the gasometer was an excellent one. —The Mayor agreed, but thought the matter should be submitted to the council before being gone on with. —Cr Cooney, after stating what words it was proposed to place on the gasometer, moved —“That the action of the chairman of the Gasworks Committer be approved.”—Cr Wright seconded.—Cr M'Diarmid moved as an amendment — “ That after hearing the wording that was proposed to be placed on the gasometer, the council agrees with this wording.”—Cr M'Diarmid said he did not think it was desirable that councillors should take matters in their own hands.—Cr Deal seconded the amendment, which was lost on a show of hands, and the resolution was carried. Cr MT’hcrson drew attention to what he regarded as the defective name plates at street intersections, particularly in the northern area.—The matter was referred to the Works Committee for a report The council then went into committee to consider matters concerning administration. A JERSEY BREEDER. Among the North Otago breeders who wore successful at the Royal, Show at Christchurch was Mr T. Portis, of Ardgowan, who secured the championship in Jersey cattle witli his bull, Rainsbrook Cute Lad, His animal, it may be mentioned, carried off first honours at the last Oamnru Show. NORTH OTAGO BOWLING CENTRE The following is the draw for the intorclub matches for season 1927-28: November 19.—Meadowbank v. Phmnix, at Phcenix green; Awamoa v. combined (Pukcuri-Hampden-Falmorston), at Awamoa, November 26.—Meadowbank v. Awamoa, at Meadowbank. December 3.—Phcenix v. Awamoa, at Awamoa December 10.—Combined v. Meadowbank and Phoenix, at Palmertson. January 28. —Combined v. Meadowbank and Awamoa, at Hampden.

February 4 —North Otago v. South Canterbury, at Waimate. February 11. —Meadowbank v. Phtenix, at Meadowbank. February 18.—Combined v. Phoenix, at. Pukeuri; Meadowbank v. Awamoa, at Awamoa. February 25. —Phoenix v. Awamoa, at Phoenix. March 24.—North Otago v. Dunedin, at Dunedin. Any two dates can be exchanged providing the clubs concerned agree and an arrangement is made through the centre secretary. MEADOWBANK BOWLING CLUB. A special meeting of the Meadowbank Bowling Club was held in the pavilion last night, when the chief business considered was the question of whether the use of the green should be granted to a women’s club that is proposed to bo formed at Meadowbank. The chair was occupied by the president (Mr F. Berry), who explained the objects of the meeting. A letter was received from a number of ladies expressing their desire to form a club. After some discussion on the question of whether proxy votes should be accepted it was moved by Mr Carson, and seconded by Mr Cartwright, pro forma, that proxies should not be used. Mr A. M'Kay stated that the motion would not be fair to absent members.—Gn a show of hands the motion was lost,—-Mr G. Mitchell moved that permission should be given the ladies to play on the green, and Mr W. Atkinson seconded the motion. —A good deal of discussion followed on the subject, the majority of the speakers disapproving of the proposal to form a ladies’ club. Eventually the motion was lost by 27 votes to 13. a considerable proportion of the proxy votes being in opposition. , ~ , , Mr A. M'Kay moved that a sub-com-mittee consisting of Mr H. Martin and the mover should be set up to prepare a set of rules with the object of considering the question of incorporation, or otherwise, the sub-committee to report to the club before the end of January. The motion was carried. ~ , , Mr G. Mitchell was added to the Grounds Committee. Two new members were elected, and permission was given the greenkeeper to procure top-dressing for the green.